The morning after Election Day, Kimmy Hull was inundated with inquiries regarding gun training in her inbox.
“There were over a hundred emails from people asking about our permit to carry classes,” Hull stated.
As a former private security guard, Hull has dedicated her efforts to protecting communities of color and LGBTQ neighbors in Minneapolis through her company, Sequeerity. This organization specializes in de-escalation services, community defense, and firearms instruction. Hull noted a significant surge in clients seeking gun training, reflecting a growing sense of urgency among her clients.
“Many expressed, ‘We considered getting a gun during the protests after George Floyd’s death, but we wanted to see what would happen first.’ Now, following Trump’s re-election, they feel compelled to arm themselves,” she remarked.
In light of the 2024 election cycle, alarming trends have emerged: hate incidents against LGBTQ individuals, particularly trans and queer people, have more than doubled. With approximately $230 million spent on anti-trans advertisements, legislative measures targeting trans rights have surged, illustrating a troubling shift in the societal landscape.
As fears escalate, many in the trans community are turning to grassroots initiatives such as Sequeerity, a proactive approach aimed at enhancing personal safety. Hull emphasizes the importance of community empowerment and self-defense practices, fostering a culture of resilience within marginalized groups.
A community defense meeting led by Hull and her team attracted around two dozen participants, reflecting a diverse cross-section of local youth eager to learn about personal protection strategies. During this meeting, Hull stressed, “We will inevitably lose people, but I hope we can minimize the damage our communities will face in the coming years.”
Minnesota, recognized for its strong protections for trans individuals, remains a complex environment. Recent violence against trans individuals illustrates that even in progressive states, fear still permeates their lives. As a response, Sequeerity is amplifying community training sessions, emphasizing situational awareness and personal safety skills.
In addition to firearms training, Hull engages one-on-one with individuals aware of the need for safety in their homes and communities. “With a family at home, I never thought I’d want a firearm, but given the current climate, better safe than sorry,” remarked Jayce, a trainee and trans man.
Sequeerity not only provides training but also prepares to act as monitors at events, ensuring safety amid rising tensions surrounding LGBTQ rights. “We look for warning signs and approach heated situations with a soft touch to avoid escalation,” Hull explained.
Moreover, Hull collaborates with law enforcement to ensure safety at high-risk gatherings, navigating a complicated landscape where acceptance is not guaranteed from all police entities. While some officers engage positively, the shadow of past events, like George Floyd’s murder, looms large, affecting community trust.
With increasing instances of violence and heightened political tensions, Sequeerity’s mission to protect and empower marginalized individuals has become more crucial than ever. As community discussions continue, many are adopting the mantra of self-defense: “We keep us safe.” This represents a significant shift towards collective responsibility for personal and community safety in challenging times.
